The Poppy and Parliament

Whether you want to grab a pint and toast your United Kingdom roots, cheer for the Premier League, or savor British pub fare, add The Poppy and Parliament to your Alabama itinerary. 

Before you think Americans created the restaurant to "look" British, think again. This spot is the Real McCoy, founded by Shane Brown (a Yorkshire native), who missed life across the Pond and opened The Poppy in 2019.

When Shane Brown met Chef Barry O'Connor (originally from Ireland), they dreamed of expanding the pub. With passion and the Luck of the Irish, the restaurant and upstairs butcher shop and market opened in 2020, and the Poppy & Parliament was born.

The last piece to this story is an important one: the addition of Chef Kristen Caroselli. Kristen brings her passion and artistic flair to bear on the menu. While some might expect blasé bar food, she has reinvented classics, spun originals, and transformed British and Irish fare into mouth-watering, jaw-dropping wonders. 

The Poppy and Parliament's downtown location makes it the perfect stop after a day of sightseeing. For instance, after shopping at the iconic Harrison Brothers Hardware or before attending the symphony or an event at the Von Braun Center, a meal and a pint are never far. 

Upstairs is the Gourmet Store and Butcher Shoppe, adding another layer of exclusivity. Here, you can purchase high-quality cuts of meat and specialty goods to grill at your Casago rental. 

When you're ready to enjoy the best a British pub offers without jetting across the Atlantic, head to The Poppy and Parliament.

Vibe

With its distinct red facade, gold-lettered signage, and crimson telephone booth, you'd swear you were on the outskirts of London! 

This authenticity continues inside, where the decor exudes a pub atmosphere with a modern twist. Wooden beams, rich earth-toned furnishings, and vintage British memorabilia set a cozy, historic tone. 

The restaurant offers a range of seating options, from traditional pub-style wooden tables to alfresco dining on the street patio.

The upstairs Butcher Shoppe is homey, allowing visitors to shop leisurely before or after dining.

The ambiance at The Poppy and Parliament will complement any Huntsville vacation. You'll create treasured memories with your family or friends.

The Poppy and Parliament: Menu & Drinks

With a lunch, dinner, and brunch menu, we'd be hard-pressed to list all the delicious choices. So, we'll highlight some standouts to whet your appetite. 

One standout lunch sandwich is Chef Barry's Three in One, featuring chilled crab, Atlantic Irish smoked salmon, and Cornwall-smoked boneless sardines. The seafood comes on Irish brown soda bread with a brandy and lime-flavored Mary Rose sauce. This handheld will satisfy any ravenous appetite after a day exploring Monte Sano State Park.

The Shepherd's Pie is featured on both menus and is considered a quintessential comfort food of the United Kingdom. Diners describe this staple as hearty and flavorful from a family recipe featuring tender lamb with braised carrots and parsnip mash. 

Another must-try is the Traditional Fresh English Fish and Chips. This meal features sustainably line-caught, fresh, wild Atlantic cod cooked in a light, crispy batter. It comes with homemade chips cooked in beef fat, tartar sauce, and mushy peas.

For something unique with flavors of the Mediterranean, order the Chargrilled Spanish Octopus. The octopus is grilled with garlic, olive oil, shallots, and Italian parsley. It comes on a Mediterranean chickpea salsa, roasted vine-ripe tomatoes, and a black garlic crème fraiche. 

The Sunday brunch offerings range from classic English breakfasts to a crab and spinach omelet and the aforementioned Spanish octopus. There's something for everyone on this menu! 

Aside from Guinness and other ales and lagers, the full bar can concoct craft cocktails. For a lighter sip, the Pimm's Cup features refreshing cucumbers, citrus flavors, and a hint of mint, perfect after a hot day at Big Spring International Park.

From the authentic British pub ambiance to the artisan menu, visiting The Poppy and Parliament will be a memorable part of your Alabama getaway.